Meet Maura
by WREN Staff on Mar 7, 2021
Maura Schray is a service-learning student from the University of South Carolina. She will join the WREN team and assist our Network Engagement Manager in the Spring 2021 semester. Learn more about the newest addition to our team below:
1. Where are you from?
I am from Nazareth Pennsylvania, which is on the eastern edge of PA, I lived there my entire life before moving to South Carolina for college.
2. What are you studying?
I am a senior now at USC studying political science with a minor in law and society. In the fall I will be starting law school at American University Washington College of Law in DC where I plan to focus on international criminal law. Throughout my studies I have been very passionate about human rights and social issues, I hope to one day work in transitional justice advocating for those who have been victims of war crimes
3. What drove you to get involved with WREN?
During my time in South Carolina, I have interned with Representative Annie McDaniel’s of the South Carolina House of Representatives and Representative Jim Clyburn of the United States House of Representatives. In those internships I got to experience how policy is shaped, and the difference you can make in the community around you by getting involved with that process.
This semester I am taking a service-learning course in women and gender studies, and when looking into organizations I might want to work with, WREN stood out as one that uses policy to help people and communities who need them. I love the passion and dedication WREN shows towards bringing about a brighter future and protecting marginalized populations. I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with the movers and shakers here to aid in their goals.
4. When you aren’t working, how do you like to spend your time?
One of the biggest loves of my life is skiing, although I don’t get to do it much here in SC every winter break I ski instruct at a mountain near my parents house. I also love spending time with my friends and family, I was raised the youngest of four and now I live in a house with five of my best friends so quality time has become a necessary joy of mine! I also really enjoy cooking, painting my nails, spin classes, and watching nerdy movies (I am a huugge Harry Potter and Twilight fan). My favorite color is green, I have a dog at home named Tonks, and I am a Trader Joe’s fanatic.
5. If you could meet one person from any period in history, who would it be?
I would absolutely love to spend an afternoon with Amal Clooney. I know she is not necessarily a historical figure but she is probably my single greatest inspiration in my career so far. Amal Clooney is one of the leading international human rights lawyers in the world, she has advised on cases regarding war crimes in Syria, She was the primary advocate for Yazidi women imprisoned by ISIS, and she represented Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, in his case for the protection of freedom of information and press. Along with her amazing accomplishments within the field of international human rights law, she consistently advocated for women in unconventional fields of law. As a young woman who hopes to build a career in an area of law which is dominated by men and not a conventional field for American legal professionals, I have found her work to be so inspiring. If I could have the chance to meet her, or tell her how much her work has meant to me I would be forever grateful.
6. What are you listening to?
Lately, I have been on a huge David Bowie kick, I could listen to Diamond Dogs on repeat for days right now. I also love Harry Styles and spent the past year reentering my One Direction and Taylor Swift phases. LANY has been a recurring name on my Spotify as well, my favorite song by them is Bad News. My favorite band of all time is Fleetwood Mac and my favorite song by them is Silver Springs.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I am so excited to be working with the team here at WREN! The work you do here is so important and the passion you all have for making a positive impact on the community, state, and world around you is so inspiring. I hope to be able to aid in the work you do as much as possible!